When Hugh and his companions came upon the
scene the Jew had already burned and this crowd of devils were preparing
to cast his wife and children into the flames, which they had been
forced to see devour their husband and father. Indeed, with yells of
brutal laughter, they were thrusting the children into two great casks
ere they rolled them into the heart of the fire, while the wretched
mother stood by and shrieked.
"What do you, sirs?" asked Hugh, riding up to them.
"We burn wizards and their spawn, Sir Knight," answered the ringleader.
"Know that these accursed Jews have poisoned the wells of our town--we
have witnesses who saw them do it--and thus brought the plague upon
us. Moreover, she," and he pointed to the woman--"was seen talking not
fourteen days ago to the devil in a yellow cap, who appears everywhere
before the Death begins. Now, roll them in, roll them in!"
Hugh drew his sword, for this sight was more than his English flesh and
blood could bear. Dick also unsheathed the black bow, while young David
produced a great knife which he carried.
"Free those children!" said Hugh to the man with whom he had spoken, a
fat fellow, with rolling, bloodshot eyes.
"Get you to hell, stranger," he answered, "or we'll throw you on the
fire also as a Jew in knight's dress."
"Free those children!" said Hugh again in a terrible voice, "or I send
you before them.
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